Dutch elm disease active now

Although not as common as they once were, many American elm
trees can still be found throughout Minnesota.
In late spring and early summer the first symptoms of Dutch elm disease
begin to appear. Gardeners with elm trees on their properties should watch for leaves
that wilt, turn yellow, and then brown. This may happen to leaves on
just one branch or on multiple branches throughout the canopy. Leaves may fall
off the tree and be scattered on the lawn below.

It is important to react quickly if symptoms of Dutch elm
disease appear. The infection can be pruned out if the fungus has not yet
reached the main trunk of the tree. This requires pruning out the infected branch
5 to 10 feet below symptoms of the infection to be successful. Gardeners that
suspect Dutch elm disease should contact a certified arborist to inspect the
tree and submit a sample for diagnosis to the UMN Plant Disease Clinic.